Police Threaten Bold Bathers

FLORIDA - The State - In Brief

PANAMA CITY BEACH -- Police will keep on threatening to arrest bathers who fail to heed red flags that warn of rough surf, even though there is no law against defying the banners.

Police Maj. David Humphreys said the bluffing will continue as a last resort when the Gulf of Mexico is too dangerous for swimming. The tactic has drawn recent criticism.

Two people have drowned this year in this Florida Panhandle resort city where many beaches lack regular lifeguard service. Humphreys said in one case a man drowned while going to the aid of other swimmers caught in a rip current.

The flags were installed 20 years ago after a series of drownings. Red warns of rough surf and rip currents, yellow is for caution, and blue signals safe conditions.

Similar flags are flown on other Florida beaches although many use green instead of blue. A bill in the Florida Legislature to create a uniform system failed this year.